British Network Television
‘A Very British Scandal’: M. “Eps. 1–3”
Sewitsky’s “A Very British Scandal” exemplifies period drama
Anne Sewitsky’s A Very British Scandal, a three episode miniseries, came to British television screens on Boxing Day 2021. The miniseries, televised over three consecutive nights, exemplifies the best of British period drama.
The true story of a duchess publicly shamed in a high society divorce, one of sex, secrets and suspicion, that gripped the nation.
The Sewitsky directed miniseries, with a story penned by accomplished teleplay writer Sarah Phelps, stars Claire Foy, Paul Bettany, Olwen May, Albertine Kotting McMillan, Julia Davis, David Monteath, and Richard McCabe. Foy, as she does with her characterisation of Queen Elizabeth II for The Crown, dominates scenes. Her mastery, as the miniseries progresses, becomes increasingly apparent.
Phelps, best known for adapting The Witness for the Prosecution, Ordeal by Innocence, The ABC Murders, Dublin Murders, and The Pale Horse, has delivered another masterpiece.
